Soot Blower Steam Flow Control via Electronic Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Soot blowing systems in boilers experience pulsations in steam flow due to mechanical delays in steam valve operation, leading to inefficiencies and stress on connected equipment, particularly when switching between soot blowers of different types and speeds.

Innovation Solution

A central computerized control system synchronizes the start and stop times of soot blowers based on individual programmed values, ensuring constant steam consumption and minimizing pulsations by overlapping the start phase of one soot blower with the stop phase of the previous one, without the need for additional sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If mechanical linkage controls steam valve opening based on position and direction mechanism, then the system structure is simple, but steam flow pulsations occur due to mechanical delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol mechanism structureVSAvoidsteam flow stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical linkage control system with an electronic control system. A sensor detects the position of the position and direction mechanism, and an electronic controller processes this signal to control the steam valve timing. This substitution eliminates mechanical delays and allows precise control of steam flow, reducing pulsations while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If soot blowers of different types and speeds are used, then cleaning versatility is improved, but steam flow pulsations increase during switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoot blower compatibilityVSAvoidsteam flow continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors on each soot blower provide real-time position and speed information to the electronic controller. The controller adjusts the steam valve timing based on actual soot blower performance, enabling seamless transitions between different soot blower types and speeds while maintaining stable steam flow and eliminating pulsations during switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If steam valve opens at mechanically determined position, then control is straightforward, but steam consumption varies during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve control simplicityVSAvoidsteam consumption variation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static mechanical positioning to dynamic electronic control of the steam valve. The electronic controller continuously adjusts valve timing based on real-time feedback from position sensors and soot blower performance data. This dynamic control optimizes steam consumption by opening the valve at the precise moment needed, eliminating variations in steam usage while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2965004B1Method and arrangement for reducing variations in soot blowing steam flow in a boiler
Publication Date: 2018.10.17 SOOTTECH AB
  • EP2965004B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2965004B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2965004B1 patent drawingFigure 6A~6C

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system and a method to reduce variations of the flow of soot blowing steam in a boiler (8) with a soot blowing system which comprises a plurality of soot blowers (1, 1) working with steam, which are operated in a sequence after each other, as well as control means for controlling the soot blowers and the ejection of steam through them (1, 1'), wherein a central, computerized control system (71) is arranged to control the start (3, 3') based on individual programmed values (11,13, 11 ', 13') for the individual soot blowers, or groups thereof, in such a way that the steam consumption (100) as far as possible is kept at a predetermined level at the exchange from a soot blower (1), or group, to the next soot blower (1'), or group,